But evolving Doublade just for a match?
Doublade is different from Togetic back then; Togetic was already at the stage where it could evolve, with most of its potential exploited. Evolution was something bound to happen sooner or later.
But Doublade's coating hasn't been applied for very long, and it still has plenty of potential to be tapped. It's not yet time for it to evolve.
Natsuhiko wouldn't waste Doublade's talents and future for just one match.
Moreover.
Even if Doublade really did evolve.
Using Togekiss and the evolved Aegislash, these two Pokémon who have just evolved and aren't yet skilled with their bodies or techniques, to battle Hilona?
Better not embarrass ourselves.
But Hilona's next words left Natsuhiko dumbfounded.
"How about... I forfeit?" Hilona hesitated and said.
With this sentence, everyone in the room stared at her in awe.
Well...
Natsuhiko was surprised too.
"Earlier, you seemed so serious, were you considering this matter?"
Hilona pursed her lips and solemnly nodded.
Because she felt this match might be more important to Natsuhiko than to anyone else here.
Hasn't Hilona won enough championships?
Although the prestige of this tournament is clearly different from the ones she's attended before, it's ultimately just a match and won't greatly affect her.
But Natsuhiko is different.
For Natsuhiko, who was born an ordinary person, getting to this stage is no easy feat.
If he were to become the Champion of such a prestigious tournament, it would undoubtedly be hugely beneficial for his future development.
Simply put, Natsuhiko becoming Champion would be far more advantageous than Hilona becoming Champion.
Natsuhiko once said that Hilona, being indecisive in the face of choices, is typical of the "people-pleaser" personality, because she wants things to turn out better, so she hesitates.
It's the same this time.
There's a saying:
No matter how one becomes Champion, as long as you become Champion, time will eventually wash away everything unimportant.
In the future, Natsuhiko's resume would only show the Champion title of this tournament, not how he became Champion.
But then.
The one thing she hasn't considered.
Does Natsuhiko want this Championship?
Honestly, Natsuhiko doesn't have that high a demand for the Championship.
During the semi-finals, he wanted to give it up.
It was only because Lance really wished to battle him that he didn't give up.
If he ends up being "given" a Championship, it would really be a big joke.
It's not that this Championship is bad; this is purely a matter of personal character.
What kind of character does Natsuhiko have?
He's someone who instinctively asks Alakazam to cover its psychic power's color change after evolving.
To put it nicely, he's cautious; to put it bluntly, he has "persecution delusion".
The purpose of him joining this tournament was achieved long ago, and has even far exceeded the goal.
Besides, such a match, does it make a difference whether he gets Champion or Runner-up?
Will the Sinnoh Alliance not take him seriously?
The most, most, most important issue!
Who is the most supported this tournament?
Without a doubt, "Sister Cabbage" Hilona.
If Hilona really lets Natsuhiko become Champion, he fears he couldn't walk out of Lily Island alive.
Don't think Hilona's supporters are all young people; believe it or not, Gym Leader level or even Elite Candidate level "Flower Guardians" might come out and obliterate Natsuhiko?
If he truly wants the Championship, it must be earned through strength, not given.
So, this path is certainly blocked.
Natsuhiko waved his hands repeatedly, "No need, really no need."
"But..."
"I have proper withdrawal reasons, what do you have?" Natsuhiko looked directly at Hilona.
"I..."
Hilona thought for a moment, and indeed seemed to have none.
But speaking of which, the Sinnoh Alliance's higher-ups are already grinning wide.
Who would've thought the finals would be between their Sinnoh participants?
Conspiracy?
Who's daring enough to say it?
Stand up and try!
Besides, Natsuhiko and Hilona earned it through their own strength, right?
It's all real and hard-earned!
The organizers only did a little trick on the daily match list.
But in the end, it's still the player's skill that counts.
The further along it goes, the stronger the participants are; without real skill, even if the organizers tweak the match list a little, can anyone reach the finals?
Initially, there were quite a few people with a skeptical attitude.
But after seeing the match between Flint and Hilona, especially Lance and Natsuhiko's match, even noting the details of Pokémon rotation, isn't this more convincing than any explanation?
"Alright, let's leave it at that. I'll go talk to the organizers later." Natsuhiko interrupted Hilona, who was about to speak again, and settled the matter.
"Perhaps we can apply for more rest time," Kona suddenly suggested.
Her suggestion made many people's eyes light up.
But then they realized it's not possible and shook their heads.
Not to mention whether the organizers would agree; considering the audience who came for this tournament, making them wait without matches to watch is a daily expenditure that's astronomical; would the Sinnoh Alliance reimburse it?